122 - Finding Community in Unexpected Places with Hard Knox Roller Derby

122 - Finding Community in Unexpected Places with Hard Knox Roller Derby

When most people think about roller derby, they picture fast skates, hard hits, and fierce competition. What they may not realize is that for many participants, roller derby becomes something much bigger: a source of friendship, confidence, belonging, and community. In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with members of Hard Knox Roller Derby to explore the surprising culture behind one of Knoxville's most unique organizations. The conversation covers how roller derby works, how new skaters get started, common misconceptions about the sport, and why so many people find themselves drawn to the community surrounding it. Whether you're a lifelong Knoxville resident, new to East Tennessee, or considering a move to the area, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the many communities that help make Knoxville feel like home. Topics discussed: • What roller derby actually is • How scoring and gameplay work • Getting started with no skating experience • Building confidence through competition • Finding friendship and community • The culture of Hard Knox Roller Derby • Why Knoxville continues to surprise people Learn more about Hard Knox Roller Derby: Website: http://www.hardknoxrollerderby.com Email: [publicrelations@hardknoxrollerderby.com](mailto:publicrelations@hardknoxrollerderby.com) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardknoxrollerderby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardknoxrollerderby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@HardKnoxRollerDerby YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HardKnoxRollerDerby Connect with Haley Jones: 📱Call or Text me: (865) 242 - 9821 📨Email: haleyjoneshomes@gmail.com

121 - The 30-Year Roof Myth: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Most homeowners have heard terms like "30-year roof," "lifetime shingles," and "roof warranties," but what do those labels actually mean? In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Ben and Kerry from Roof Guys of East Tennessee to discuss one of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have about their roofs. They break down how long roofs really last, why roof warranties often don't work the way homeowners think they do, how to compare contractor quotes, and what buyers should know before purchasing a home. Whether you're a homeowner, first-time buyer, investor, or relocating to East Tennessee, this conversation will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode: • The truth about 30-year roofs • Why roofs wear out like tires • How to compare contractor estimates • The biggest mistakes homeowners make • Understanding roof warranties • What home buyers should look for • How to choose a trustworthy contractor Connect with Roof Guys of East Tennessee: 🌐 https://www.roofguys-tn.com Connect with Haley Jones: 📱Call or Text me: (865) 242 - 9821 📨Email: haleyjoneshomes@gmail.com The Big Orange Business Podcast highlights the people, businesses, and ideas helping shape East Tennessee. Hosted by Haley Jones, each episode connects listeners with local experts, business owners, and community leaders while sharing practical insights for living, working, and thriving in East Tennessee.

120 - Italy in Maryville? The Story Behind East Tennessee's Most Authentic Italian Marketplace

What happens when a third-generation Italian can't find an authentic Italian market in East Tennessee? She builds one. In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Kim Fontinell, founder and chef of The Italian Apron Marketplace in Maryville, Tennessee, to discuss family recipes, handmade pasta, entrepreneurship, farmers markets, catering, and creating a true Italian food experience in East Tennessee. Kim shares the surprising truth about Italian food, how she turned a food truck into a thriving marketplace, why authenticity matters, and what it takes to build a successful small business while staying true to your roots. Whether you're a Knoxville local, a Maryville resident, a food lover, or someone considering a move to East Tennessee, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the region's most unique businesses. In this episode: • The biggest myths about Italian food • Why spaghetti and meatballs isn't traditionally Italian • Fresh pasta vs. store-bought pasta • Building a business from a food truck • Farmers markets and local entrepreneurship • The Italian Apron Marketplace story • Pasta classes, catering, and community building • Why East Tennessee embraced authentic Italian food Learn more about The Italian Apron: https://theitalianapron.com Connect with Haley Jones: https://haleyjoneshomes.com The Big Orange Business Podcast highlights the people, businesses, and stories that make Knoxville and East Tennessee such a special place to live, work, and visit.

119 - The Knoxville Sports Community Most Locals Don't Know Exists

Most Knoxville locals don't even know this exists. For more than 46 years, Knoxville has had a rugby club with its own field, tournaments, youth programs, and a passionate community of players. In this episode, Haley sits down with Knoxville Rugby Club President Tau to uncover one of the most surprising communities hiding in East Tennessee. From rugby culture and sportsmanship to youth programs, local tournaments, and the future of the sport in Knoxville, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at a side of Knoxville most people never see. Big Orange Business explores the people, businesses, organizations, and communities that make Knoxville one of the most interesting cities in America. If you enjoy discovering the businesses, organizations, events, and people that make Knoxville unique, make sure to subscribe. 🏉 Knoxville Rugby Club Website: https://www.knoxvillerugby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoxvillerugby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleRugby Interested in playing? Knoxville Rugby welcomes new players, supporters, sponsors, and fans. Practice: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 PM Sam Duff Park 🍊 Thinking about moving to Knoxville? Whether you're relocating to East Tennessee, buying your first home, selling your current home, or investing in the Knoxville area, Haley would love to help. 📲 Call or Text Haley Jones:  (865) 242 - 9821 Subscribe for more stories about the people, businesses, organizations, and communities that make Knoxville such a special place to live. #Knoxville #KnoxvilleTN #EastTennessee #BigOrangeBusiness #KnoxvilleRugby #Rugby #LivingInKnoxville #MovingToKnoxville

118 - Can Knoxville Survive Its Own Growth? The Future of Transportation, Traffic & Growth in Knoxville

Knoxville is growing fast—but can the city’s roads, parking, housing, and public transportation keep up? In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with Dustin Durham, Chair of the Knoxville Transportation Authority, for an important conversation about the future of Knoxville. They discuss: • Why traffic in Knoxville feels worse than ever  • The real cost of car dependency  • Public transportation and bus service in Knoxville  • Downtown parking myths and infrastructure challenges  • Housing density, zoning, and smart growth  • Why Knoxville could eventually have airport transit, streetcars, or even expanded regional transportation  • What Knoxville could look like by 2050 Whether you already live in Knoxville, are thinking about relocating to East Tennessee, or simply care about the future of this growing city… this conversation matters. Recorded live from the historic Mabry-Hazen House—one of Knoxville’s most iconic landmarks. https://www.mabryhazen.com/